Some have managed to secure full-time football but for others, it’s just about the money.

Dartford joint-manager Jamie Coyle Picture: Phil Lee

Coyle said: “Where do you start with it all? We agreed a deal with one player but he’s gone to another club in our league after shaking our hand and saying he was going to sign.

“Someone else agreed a deal, came in, loved the club, loved what we’re trying to do, shook hands, was all ready to sign and we didn’t even get a phone call any more, it’s a text message.

“It’s been absolute hell so far. We’ve put in so many hours.

“Last week, I missed every single game of football. We’ve been at the club every night meeting current players and new players.

“I know it’s early in pre-season but we’re trying to get a good part of the business done early so we can settle and start planning for pre-season.

“But it’s proving more and more difficult because there are so many more teams increasing their budgets and we’re battling against a lot of teams that are going full-time as well.”

Dartford were close to signing a striker who’s been prolific in the lower leagues but the search goes on.

Coyle said: “We’ve lost out on a lot due to full-time training and players who want to stay

at the level above so it’s going to have to be a real patient pre-season for us.

“We’re keen to get all the business done and make sure the recruitment’s right this year but we can’t rush things and clearly it’s a tough one because you’re dealing with players who are using your offer to barter elsewhere.

“If those players, after they come into the club and see what the club’s about and the facilities we’ve got and the environment we’ve set (then go elsewhere), they’re potentially not right for us anyway.”